Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 29th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet.
ahanna,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for signs of warming and instability in the upper snowpack and be ready to back off of steep slopes.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday in the Kokanee area, a skier triggered a size 1.5 slab on the buried crust detailed in the snowpack summary. This is the first report of an avalanche running on this crust in any region. The failure has not been repeatable in snowpack tests and appears to be an isolated incident at this time.
Data in this region is limited. Please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Various snow surfaces exist, including crusts, moist snow, settled powder, old wind effect.
A widespread hard crust is buried 40 to 60 cm deep. Recent observations indicate that facets may be developing ontop of the crust in isolated areas. The crust is effectively providing a bridge over an underlying surface hoar layer.
Average snowpack depths at treeline are roughly 70 to 130 cm. Snow depths taper dramatically at lower elevations.
Weather Summary
Friday night
Partly cloudy. Moderate southeast wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 3000 m.
Saturday
Increasing cloud. Moderate southeast wind easing to light southwest. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with a few flurries. Light northwest wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. Light southerly wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
Problems
Loose Wet
Loose wet avalanches are possible in steep terrain with warming temperatures and sun.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 30th, 2023 4:00PM
